My LP4Y Journey: A Transformation from Shy Youth to Catalyst of Change

My name is Rahaf Mahmoud, I’m 22 years old, and I come from Syria. Since 2013, I have been living in Bourj Hamoud, Lebanon, where I have faced challenges, embraced opportunities, and grown through every experience.

Before LP4Y, I was a very shy person. Most of the time I stayed at home, because I didn’t have the chance to continue my education. I felt like opportunities were far away from me, and I didn’t know how to move forward.

In 2021, something unexpected happened. My mom was searching for a new house to live in, and during this time she discovered that our old house in Bourj Hamoud had been transformed into a new TDC Beirut (Training and Development Center) of LP4Y. She spoke with one of the coaches there, and soon after, I decided to join the program. Because I was doing nothing and I know a bit English so I didn't want to forget and the most important thing for me was the computer as I never worked on it.

In the beginning, I was very shy, stressed, and nervous. I had never used a computer before, so everything felt completely new and overwhelming. My very first challenge at LP4Y was to take the lead in our Micro-Company presentation (Connect4Change). Standing in front of people, speaking out loud, and organizing the work felt so difficult for me at first.

But thanks to the encouragement and accompanying of my coaches, I started to push myself little by little. Each step helped me gain more courage and confidence. Through this experience, I discovered qualities I never thought I had, leadership, organization, and the ability to learn fast. That moment was the beginning of a real transformation, where I realized that I was capable of much more than I had believed.

Graduating from LP4Y was a great achievement, but my journey didn’t end there. After graduation, I became a Star, and during the very first election I was eager to take part. I wanted to challenge myself and see how far I could go. To my surprise, my peers placed their trust in me and chose me as President. I still remember how proud and grateful I felt in that moment, it wasn’t just about the title, it was about the confidence others had in me.

As President, I had the opportunity to organize many activities with the Stars, such as team-building sessions, yoga days, and group meetings where we came together to support the coaches whenever they needed. Each responsibility pushed me to grow, step by step, in confidence and leadership. I realized that true leadership is not about leading from the front, but about accompanying others, listening, and helping everyone move forward together.

After that, a new opportunity opened for me: to volunteer with LP4Y as HR & Finance. I first heard about it from a Catalyst in the Finance team, and even though this role was something completely new and unfamiliar, I decided to take the challenge. I wasn’t alone in applying, other Stars were also interested, so I went through an interview process. I even had a test to check my Excel skills and my ability to understand finance processes. At the beginning it felt difficult, but little by little I started to learn and grow.

This experience became a turning point for me. I began to develop new knowledge and skills in finance, while also discovering how to manage responsibilities, stay organized, and work in a professional environment. It wasn’t just about numbers; it was also about teamwork, communication, and building confidence in myself. Over time, I felt proud to see how much I had improved.

I stayed in this position for 6 months, and it helped me grow not only professionally but also personally. Then, I made the decision to travel to Syria for one year to continue my education, carrying with me all the valuable lessons, experiences, and confidence I had gained from this beautiful journey with LP4Y.

When I returned to Lebanon, I stayed in touch with the Finance team at LP4Y. They connected me with the Coun

try Coordinator, and soon after I was given another opportunity, this time as a Coach. Stepping into this role was truly transformative. For the first time, I wasn’t the one being guided and supported; I was the one standing beside others, accompanying, encouraging them and walking with them on their journey.

As a Coach, I had the privilege of working closely with the Youth, listening to their stories, witnessing their struggles, and celebrating their success. Every step they took forward reminded me of my own journey with LP4Y, and it made me realize how much I had grown since the day I first entered the program. Their courage and determination inspired me every day, and in helping them discover their potential, I found myself becoming stronger, more confident, and more committed to making a difference.

Looking back today, I can say that LP4Y had a huge impact on my life. It helped me overcome shyness, gain confidence, build skills, and take important decisions for my future. Most of all, it gave me the belief that I can achieve my dreams.

My dream for the future is that all Youth set goals for themselves and never stop dreaming. Everything can become true if you keep working on yourself and refuse to give up.

Remember: we are the change of the future, because we are the future.